BBQ restaurants in Austin are a mouthwatering pilgrimage: woodsmoke in the air, brisket that melts on contact, and pitmasters who treat their craft like gospel. It’s where I roll up my sleeves, grab a tray, and dive headfirst into the heart of Texas flavor. Since I live in Austin, I get to enjoy BBQ quite a lot!
I’ve got oak-smoked ribs, jalapeño cheddar sausage, and tangy slaw on a butcher paper–lined tray—right here in bold, barbecue-loving Austin, Texas. Who knew standing in line could be this worth it?
"Smoky bark, savory sides, and that unmistakable Austin sizzle? This is Texas BBQ done the Austin way!"
This is Why I Keep Coming Back for More:
Unique BBQ Restaurants in Austin, Texas:
1. Dig Into Upscale Smokehouse Fare at Lamberts
Lamberts has been serving up upscale slow-smoked barbecue and modern Texas cuisine in Austin’s 2nd Street District since 2006. Known for its refined take on Southern classics, the menu changes regularly to highlight seasonal ingredients and local flavors.
Recommended For: Barbecue lovers, live music fans, and anyone seeking a modern Texas dining experience in a sleek setting.
- Dine on slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and inventive modern Texas dishes.
- Unwind upstairs with craft cocktails and nightly live music in the lounge.
- Experience ever-evolving seasonal menus crafted with premium local ingredients.
- Celebrate special occasions in a venue that blends barbecue with upscale charm.
- Support a local Austin favorite redefining Texas barbecue since 2006.
Lamberts, 401 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-494-1500
2. Line Up Early for Legendary Brisket at Franklin Barbecue
Franklin Barbecue is a legendary Austin BBQ destination owned and operated by renowned pitmaster Aaron Franklin. Since opening in 2009, this award-winning spot has become a must-visit for brisket lovers nationwide. Known for its hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, the restaurant’s signature dish is the espresso-rubbed beef brisket, slow-smoked to perfection.
Recommended For: Barbecue purists, foodies, and anyone willing to wait in line for some of the best brisket in the country.
- Order beef brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sausage—by the pound or in a sandwich.
- Taste the famous espresso barbecue sauce that has earned national acclaim.
- Pair your meat with homestyle sides and a mini pie for dessert.
- Plan ahead—doors open at 11:00 a.m. and food sells out fast.
- Support a chef-driven BBQ joint that helped put Austin on the culinary map.
Franklin Barbecue, 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: 512-653-1187
Date Ideas:
3. Taste Generations of Flavor at Black's BBQ
Black's BBQ is a true Texas barbecue institution, proudly owned and operated by the Black family for over three generations. With roots dating back to 1932, this iconic smokehouse delivers authentic, slow-smoked meats prepared over local oak wood and seasoned with a closely guarded family rub.
Recommended For: Barbecue traditionalists, history buffs, and anyone looking to enjoy time-tested flavors from one of Texas' oldest BBQ families.
- Order meats by the pound, from smoky brisket to juicy turkey breast.
- Indulge in homemade sausages, hearty sides, and down-home desserts.
- Enjoy gluten-free options and a variety of beverage choices with your meal.
- Experience barbecue done the old-fashioned way—oak wood, time, and tradition.
- Support a family-run legend that’s been smoking meat since 1932.
Black's BBQ, 3110 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
Phone: 512-524-0801
4. Satisfy Big Appetites at Cooper’s Pit Bar-B-Que
Cooper's Pit Bar-B-Que delivers the bold flavors of true Texas barbecue right in the heart of downtown Austin. Located in the historic 200 block of Congress Avenue, this beloved smokehouse serves up meats by the pound—including brisket, pork, turkey, chicken, and even goat—alongside classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and pinto beans.
Recommended For: Barbecue fans, group gatherings, and anyone seeking authentic Texas BBQ in a central downtown location.
- Order your choice of brisket, pork, chicken, turkey, or goat—by the pound.
- Choose from classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and pinto beans.
- Relax on the rooftop garden or shaded patio with downtown views.
- Host private events in one of two spacious venues for up to 300 guests.
- Support a Texas BBQ staple with deep roots and a laid-back atmosphere.
Cooper's Pit Bar-B-Que, 217 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-474-4227
5. Kick Back with Ribs and Views at County Line
County Line has been serving up legendary Texas barbecue since 1975, when it first opened its doors in a former speakeasy perched in Austin’s scenic Hill Country. The original location—now known as County Line on the Hill—offers rustic charm, family-style hospitality, and sweeping outdoor views.
Recommended For: Scenic BBQ dining, family outings, and anyone craving hearty Texas comfort food with a view.
- Dine in a historic Hill Country setting with panoramic outdoor seating.
- Choose from barbecue platters, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
- Go big with all-you-can-eat family-style barbecue meals.
- Relax in a laid-back environment perfect for kids and groups.
- Support a local BBQ institution with roots in Austin’s smoky history.
County Line, 6500 Bee Cave Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Phone: 512-327-1742
6. If You Crave Classic, No-Frills Flavor, Stop by Donn’s Barbeque
Donn's Barbeque has been a local favorite since 1983, offering authentic Texas-style BBQ in a laid-back, counter-serve setting. Located off the I-35 Frontage Road in Austin, this welcoming eatery serves breakfast starting at 5:30 a.m.—and keeps it going all day. Lunch specials begin at 10:00 a.m. on weekdays, while the full menu features a hearty selection of family-style packs, barbecue by the pound, and classic plates.
Recommended For: Early risers, casual diners, and anyone craving classic Texas BBQ with a home-cooked touch.
- Start your day early with an all-day breakfast menu from 5:30 a.m. onward.
- Feast on smoked meats served by the pound or in generous family-style packs.
- Try weekday lunch specials beginning at 10:00 a.m. for great value and variety.
- Choose from a broad menu including salads, old-fashioned burgers, and desserts.
- Support a long-standing Austin BBQ staple fueled by tradition and quality.
Donn's Barbeque, 2617 S IH 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78741
Phone: 512-382-6720
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
-
Why is barbecue so popular in Texas?
- Barbecue is a way of life in Texas, and few places offer a better selection than the city of Austin.
-
What types of barbecue joints can you find in Austin?
- The barbecue joints come in all different shapes and sizes: casual food trailers and upscale restaurants, lunchtime-only vendors and places that stay open all day, and venues with both outdoor picnic spaces and indoor table service.
-
What makes Austin’s barbecue special?
- Visitors to the city will be spoiled for choice when it comes to the wide variety of special barbecue sauces and rubs prepared according to secret family recipes.
-
What types of meats are popular in Austin barbecue?
- Whether your meat of choice is brisket, ribs, or sausages, Austin will provide you with the best there is.
Map:
🖋 How did I do?
Is the article too broad, too narrow, or just right ? Do you like the presentation of photos and text? Let me know in the comments! If you want to see more in this location, I can put it on my editorial calendar. I'm listening!
Plan Your Trip